Jerry Cockerham wins $1,000,000 playing Powerball

Geismar Man Steps Forward with $1 Million Powerball Ticket

For the city of LaPlace and the rest of Louisiana, the mystery is over. Jerry Cockerham visited Louisiana Lottery headquarters Friday morning to claim the $1 million Powerball prize from the Aug. 7 drawing. His ticket missed the $448.4 million jackpot by one number.

Cockerham and his wife, Deborah Owens, said they found out just yesterday that they were holding the winning ticket after seeing a local news story about it being sold in LaPlace. After watching the show, Owens said, "I think they're looking for you, Jerry." The 60-year-old Geismar resident then quickly discovered his Quick Pick ticket matched all five white ball numbers but missed the red Powerball number.

He received $700,000 after federal and state taxes were withheld. With the prize money, Owens said, "We're going to make it grow."

Cockerham purchased his ticket at Pit Stop Petroleum #1 in LaPlace. He said he works in LaPlace and always stops at Pit Stop Petroleum for his coffee and Lottery tickets. The store will receive a bonus of $10,000, which is 1 percent of the prize, for selling the winning ticket.

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help.

For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. More information about other Powerball winners can be found on the Lottery's website, www.louisianalottery.com.